EPA Transition Head Seeks to Calm Workforce

The Trump administration’s transition team leader for the EPA has issued a memo to agency employees seeking to downplay concerns about potential deep cuts ahead in staffing, budgets and programs.

“I, like many of you, am surprised each morning by what I read in the newspaper and see on TV news shows, because much of what we see is just not accurate,” Don Benton, a senior White House adviser wrote. “In addition, many news outlets are quoting individuals who are no longer serving on the EPA transition team. I am not able to validate or reject the statements made by these individuals, since I am not directly working with them, and I have not seen many of the documents referenced in the stories.

“I cannot tell you today what the final decisions from the White House, from our new administrator, and from the Congress will be. I can tell you that despite what you read and see on TV, no final decisions have been made with regard to the EPA.

“Changes will likely come, and when they do, we will work together to implement them. One thing I am certain of is that the transition team is committed to working with you to carry out the core mission of the EPA — To Protect Human Health and the Environment,” he wrote.